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Review & Installation Video

Review & Install Video

Stephanie: Hey guys, Stephanie with americanmuscle.com here with my review of the BBK shorty X-pipe available in either catted or off road versions fitting all BBK long tube header equipped 2011 to 2014 GT Mustangs. This one's pretty easy as far as who it's going to be for. This shorty X-pipe is going to be for anyone that plans on using BBK's long tube headers on their Coyote powered S197 GT. Whenever you go from a shorty or factory header setup to a long tube header setup, you're going to need to change your mid-pipe to a shorty mid-pipe. There are some options out there that come as a complete package, the headers and mid-pipe together, but BBK has broken these two up so you can have different options when it comes to going catted or non-catted.
Like I just said, you do have two options when it comes to this mid-pipe, an off road version which I have with me here and which does not include any kind of cats and is typically going to give you the most power and sound gains, and a catted version that has two high flow cats. Both options are constructed from three inch mandrel bent aluminized steel tubing, and both options feature a factory style two and a half inch connection that will work with most aftermarket catbacks in addition to your factory exhaust. Along with that you'll also notice 202 bungs along with the included flanges.
The high flow catted version of this mid-pipe is going to cost between $400 and $500. Like we usually see, the catted version is going to be the more expensive of the 2 options, costing about $200 more than the off road version. That puts the off road mid-pipe in the $200 to $300 price range, being slightly closer to $300. It is pretty typical to see a catted version of exhaust being more expensive than the off road setup, but it will be more appealing to those of you with strict emissions rules or those of you that aren't looking for the loudness level that an uncatted mid-pipe will have.
Also, keep in mind that you won't be running this mid-pipe without a set of BBK's long tubes, so you can factor those into the price of the shorty X-pipe. These items go hand in hand since you can't really install one without the other, which is another reason why long tube headers are pretty much an investment. Either way, all of BBK's header and mid-pipe options are coming in on the more budget friendly side of things no matter which options you end up choosing. You could be looking at a whole long tube and mid-pipe setup for well under $1000, which is going to be one of the most affordable options here at AM.
With all of that said, the quality of the BBK options might not be as nice as some of the other options here on the site. I'm basically looking at materials when I say this. This BBK mid-pipe is aluminized steel like I mentioned earlier, while the higher end brands like Kooks, LTH, Stainless Works and even JBA are a full stainless steel if not a full 304 grade stainless steel. This isn't really going to have an impact on performance at all, but it just won't be as nice of a material, which may not even be a concern to you if your Mustang isn't a daily driver or it only sees mild weather.
You may not necessarily be installing long tubes and a shorty mid-pipe for sound, but you are going to get a huge change in sound. The long tubes alone are going to change the sound of your exhaust. When you combine that with changing the mid-pipe, you can expect a pretty big difference in sound here. Obviously if you go uncatted all the way it is going to be louder than if you stick with high flow cats. Either way, you're looking at a brand new sounding Pony when you're done.
At the end of the day you're looking at both power and sound gains here. In fact you can expect gains of 20 to 25 wheel horse depending on your setup and tune, in addition to an awesome change in your exhaust tone. Speaking of a tune, you will need a tune after the install here. Anytime you go with a serious mod like this setup you can pretty much expect to need a tune along with it.
The install of this X-pipe alone is not difficult at all. It's just a basic mid-pipe split up that doesn't involve removing any other items or any cutting. But, since you'll most likely be installing this along with those BBK long tube headers, you can expect a project. Because of the combo install, you can expect a full three out of three wrenches on this one and a full day in the garage if you do decide to tackle this yourself. If you don't have a helping hand or don't have much experience in this area, it might be better to just take the car to a shop for the install. If you do tackle this yourself, just know that you can do it on a jack and stands, but a lift will make it easier for sure.
Like I said before, the mid-pipe is easy enough to install, but the difficult part will be installing the headers. You're going to need your toolbox for the install with an assortment of different sockets, wrenches, and extensions. You're looking at things like disconnecting the steering shaft, removing the motor mounts and dropping the cross member. A lot of this install obviously requires working in some pretty tight areas. While everything is straightforward, getting access and maneuverability in these areas is actually tricky. Having a helping hand in this case is really going to benefit you. At the end of the day I think it's all really worth it.
Wrapping this up here, the BBK shorty X-pipe is going to be a must have for anyone that's looking at running BBK's long tube headers. They're aluminized steel. They come either catted or non-catted. They're very affordable when we compare them to other options that are on the site. I'm Stephanie, and for all things Mustang, keep it right here at americanmuscle.com.

Increases Overall Performance. Add even more horsepower and torque to the rear wheels of your 5.0 Coyote Mustang with a BBK Catted shorty X pipe. A BBK catted X pipe will greatly improve your pony's exhaust flow to increase overall performance. This BBK x-pipe is specifically designed to be used with BBK's 1633 Series full length headers.

Race Car Growl. This free flowing BBK x-pipe for the 2011-2014 5.0 Mustang's not only increases power, but it also adds a crisp raspy, race car growl to the sound of your exhaust with its modern "X" crossover pipe design.

Durable Construction. BBK's X-pipes use a free-flowing 3" diameter CNC mandrel bent aluminized tubing and a merged X crossover to improve flow. And features High flow catalytic converters to provide a significant horsepower increase over the restrictive stock cats.

Questions & Answers (15)

5 Top Rated Questions

I live in Texas I have to get a state inspection done. will the Catted pass the state inspection. or will I be ok with the Off road X-pipe?

We generally recommend a catted x-pipe as they will usually pass inspections depending on how strict your state is with their emission laws. With that being said, I would recommend contacting a local shop to confirm if your car will pass with a catted or off-road x-pipe as it can vary per state.

What kind of headers do I need for this set up? What’s the difference between Bbk off-road x pipe and cattled? I have a 2012 mustang GT 5.0 will these fit? And I have the Roush axle back only can this cattled x pipe fits?

The BBK Catted X-Pipe will work with BBK Long Tube Headers. The catted X pipe will include catalytic converters, whereas the off road version will have no cats. These will fit your 2012 GT with a Roush Axle-Back exhaust.

10 More Questions

Yes, the BBK catted X-Pipe will work just fine with the Roush axle-back exhaust. The two do not directly connect so you won't have any fitment issues. In regards to what headers would work best, we generally recommend the same brand to guarantee fitment. BBK headers can be found here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/bbk-chrome-longtube-headers-2011.html(1 3/4") and https://www.americanmuscle.com/bbk-chrome-longtube-headers-1116gt.html (1 7/8").

We are unaware as of the emission standards in your state at this point in time and would advise reaching out directly prior to any purchase to ensure the emission standards. A catted x-pipe is one that includes catalytic converters whereas an off road will not.

Unfortunately, this x-pipe is designed to work with long tube headers and will not bolt up to the factory manifolds. We do have x-pipes that will fit the stock manifolds here : https://www.americanmuscle.com/2010-mustang-xpipe.html#shop-by1.

The BBK Catted X-Pipe may not be legal for use in emission restrictive states. We recommend contacting local authorities so they can provide the most accurate information regarding your state's regulations!

Definitely loud and more of a raspy sound. Very race car like. No drone noticed for me...that usually depends on your muffler set up and if you delete resonators

It depends on what axle back you have. If you have the roush ones then it'll be like a stock car when you open it up but rumbles at idle. I would say try. Magnaflow axle back if you want it to be that classic muscle car sound

This BBK x-pipe is great. All of the hardware comes with it including 02 extensions. The high flow-cats still allow it to get loud when you get on it but helps keep the noise down at idle if that’s your preference. I have it paired with BBK long tube headers and a Roush axle back and absolutely love the note of the exhaust.

Prolly shoulda gone Catless, but still a nice bump in performance none the less with no obnoxious oders, and weight savings to boot. I did not weigh the factory cats but I bet this mod alone knocks 50lbs off the car. I also got rid of the factory resonators and installed some 3” x 18” Bullets (we used to call these Cherry Bombs) in their place, then stuck some GT500’s out back. Nice old school low rumble at idle, not overly loud during normal driving/acceleration, no drone at any speed, and sounds like a V8 should when you push on the fun pedal. Best part is the Bullets got rid of almost all of the rasp these X-pipes are known to create. I really only hear it when doing a more aggressive downshift.

Have used stock and off-road exhaust. Never liked any of the sounds. This combined with the long tube headers allowed me to hear my supercharger more than my exhaust but still sound great at moderate and high throttle. Didn't like the metal rasp sound in non-catted systems. Flange screws could stand to be a bit longer, but worked out OK. Cats are first thing to drag on speed bumps though.

I got these, to stay legal, along with the BBK ceramic coated 1-7/8 headers, hooked up to the Pypes bomb exhaust system. Very loud, great roar, raspy pop! Ligned up great, nice brackets, no modifications necessary.

I added these along with BBK's stainless steel 1 3/4 long tubes and let me tell you, these are loud. I also have Roush axle backs to complete my exhaust--I couldn't imagine going catless. I added a Bama tune and car is running like a beast!
I only gave 3 stars to finish because these are aluminized steel and not stainless.
Great fit, a little raspy, and my car now sounds like a race car.

Sounds great I have borla resonator delete pipes and gt500 mufflers and it’s plenty loud while on the gas and almost silent when just cruising. No gas smell or check engine lights like you sometimes get with an off road setup.

If you like a raspy, race car sound, as well as adding a few HP - TQ to your 5.0, I strongly recommend these. I matched the X pipe with Long Tube Ceramic headers from BBK, great power gain and very aggressive sound!

Replaced my factory H pipe and stock cats. Put these on the same time with my BBK long tube headers 1.75". Absolutely love the new roar when getting on it!! Absolutely no drone. Left my resonators on. You won't be disappointed!

I installed this pipe in conjunction with the BBK ceramic Long Tubes and a Bama 93 Octane race tune (13 hours total on jack stands). The difference in the power is definitely noticeable and definitely in a good way. The car is considerably louder at WOT but has an almost "NASCAR-esqe" exhaust note. As I posted in the header review, it can be scary when you drop the hammer!

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